headset keeps coming loose

martinhayes

I've tightened my headset a few times now and after a 40/50 mile ride, I can feel play in the headset.

I've tightened it but it doesnt seem to work, any ideas?

keef66

Can you describe exactly what you're doing? Do you have an alloy or carbon steerer?

If the headset is coming loose it means that the stem is able to move up the steerer, suggesting the clamp bolts aren't tight enough. This will also pull the top cap upwards, probably moving the star nut or expander inside the steerer.

Procedure should be:

loosen the 2 stem clamp bolts

gently tighten the top cap bolt until there's no play or binding in the headset. This bolt needs a low torque; it's sole purpose in life is to load the bearings properly.

Ensuring the steerer is pointing in the right direction, progressively tighten the stem clamp bolts. Use a torque wrench if you have a carbon steerer.


If you cannot remove the play, take off the top cap and check that the top of the steerer tube sits at least 3 mm below the top of the stem or the upper spacer.

nicklouse

keef66 wrote:

Can you describe exactly what you're doing? Do you have an alloy or carbon steerer?

If the headset is coming loose it means that the stem is able to move up the steerer, suggesting the clamp bolts aren't tight enough. This will also pull the top cap upwards, probably moving the star nut or expander inside the steerer.

Procedure should be:

loosen the 2 stem clamp bolts

gently tighten the top cap bolt until there's no play or binding in the headset. This bolt needs a low torque; it's sole purpose in life is to load the bearings properly.

Ensuring the steerer is pointing in the right direction, progressively tighten the stem clamp bolts. Use a torque wrench if you have a carbon steerer.


If you cannot remove the play, take off the top cap and check that the top of the steerer tube sits at least 3 mm below the top of the stem or the upper spacer.

and that the top cap does not bottom out on the plug/star nut.

rake

how old is the bike? do you rain ride? either carbon assembly paste if its carbon steerer or may need the head refacing if its integrated.

ride_whenever

and that said plug/star nut is straight... I've had that cause issues in the past.